Cellsite BudgetMaster

ABSTRACT

Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for cell site planning and for vendor selection. According to embodiments of this invention, a cell site planning information system receives initial cell site information, accesses historical cell site information and/or vendor information, and integrates the information to provide a proposed cell site design plan, to recommended vendors, to determine benchmark costs, and/or to provide billing records of the recommended vendors.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/684,720, filed Oct. 14, 2003, the entirety of which is herebyincorporated by reference.

NOTICE OF COPYRIGHT PROTECTION

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document and its figurescontain material subject to copyright protection. The copyright ownerhas no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patentdocument or the patent disclosure, but otherwise reserves all copyrightswhatsoever.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

This invention generally relates to computers and to telecommunicationsand, more particularly, to an automated cell site design and vendorselection tool to optimize cell site design and planning and to minimizeassociated costs.

2. Description of the Related Art

Cellular Mobile Radiotelecommunications (CMR) has experienced explosivegrowth, and more growth is planned as access and numerous communicationdevices improve. In order to meet the demands of a rapidly growingmarket, mobile service providers must be able to design and put intoservice one or more cell sites within a very demanding time frame whilealso controlling construction and related service costs. The cost forconstruction of a cell site is very expensive, ranging from $80,000 to$500,000 or more. While this very expensive cost is commonplace,inefficient cell site planning and flawed bidding techniquesnevertheless continue to be used. For example, the “norm” in theindustry is to submit a proposed cell site design to three vendors tobid on the work, and usually the same three vendors bid on successivework. This lends itself to collusion and does not offer opportunitiesfor “new blood.”

There are three common tower designs used for erection of a cellsite—monopole towers, self-supporting towers (also known asfree-standing or “lattice” towers), and guyed towers. Monopole towersare constructed of tapered hollow tubes that symmetrically fit togetherand are stacked one on top of the other. Self-support towers are three-or four-sided structures that are constructed of steel cross-armsections that increase in face width as they approach the ground like anelongated pyramid. Guyed towers are constructed of identical triangularsteel cross arms of constant face width, usually in 20-foot sections,that are supported or “guyed” by tensioned support cables held in placeby concrete anchors under and/or on the ground. The type of tower thatis selected for a cell base station as well as the type of foundation tosupport the tower depends on a variety of factors, such as structuralrequirements, environmental conditions (e.g., wind speed, ice, etc.),tower height, governmental regulations, and company policies for theselected location. Typically, a cell site designer must have thenecessary expertise and knowledge to select the tower design andconstruction (referred to herein as a “cell site plan.”). Accordingly,the cell site designer needs to have familiarity with the location andthe average weather conditions. In addition, the cell site designerneeds to minimize costs associated with the cell site plan. As astandard practice, the costs are managed by requesting various vendorsto bid on the scope of work defined in the cell site plan, and, thencomparing and selecting a competitive bid. However, this approachdepends upon participation of multiple vendors as well as requiressignificant, upfront analytical cell site design work to prepare thecell site plan.

There is, accordingly, a need in the art for improved systems andmethods of cell site planning, a need for improved cell site design, anda need for improved vendor selection that minimizes and/or manages cellsite construction costs.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The aforementioned problems, and other problems, are reduced by methodsand systems for cell site planning. This invention provides a cell siteplanning application and/or information system that allows a user toinput initial cell site information. This invention, if desired, mayalso access historical cell site information for proposed cell siteparameters to design and plan for a cell site. Once the cell siteplanning application and/or information system generates the proposedcell site design, the cell site application and/or information systemaccesses a database of vendor information including unitizedbilling/pricing and processes the vendor information with the proposedcell site design to determine a benchmark cost for the proposed cellsite design and, if desired, to also generate a list of proposed vendorsand each vendor's corresponding cost(s) for performing a service of theproposed cell site design. In an embodiment, the cell site planningapplication and/or information system only selects vendors that bid in acommon geographic area and that include unitized billing/pricing for aservice of the proposed cell site design. In further embodiments, thisinvention provides access to databases of historical cell siteinformation (such as, for example, historical cell site designs,parametric calculations for tower type and foundation type, averagegeographic wind speeds required by the Electronics Industry Association(EIA) Code, and other cell site planning information) and of vendorinformation (such as, for example, vendor name and contact information,vendor costs for cell site services, user comments regarding customersatisfaction, whether the vendor offers any discounts or otherincentives, and other vendor information). Thus, this inventionautomates cell site design and planning by using cell site design inputsand/or default cell site design parameters, calculates benchmark coststo efficiently gauge and manage cell site design and planning costs, andprovides a list of applicable vendors/contractors with each vendor'scost to aid in the selection of and negotiations with a particularvendor.

According to embodiments of this invention, methods for cell siteplanning are disclosed. An initial cell site plan record is received,and, if needed or requested, an historic cell site plan record isaccessed and retrieved. Then, a vendor record is accessed and associatedwith the initial cell site plan record and/or the historic cell siteplan record to create a compiled cell site plan and billing record. Thecell site plan and billing record specifies a proposed cell site designbased on the initial cell site plan record and/or historic cell siteplan record and also specifies a benchmark financial value for theproposed cell site design. That is, the benchmark financial valuedetails the costs of building and/or of providing related services forthe proposed cell site based on historical costs and on approximatedcosts associated with a standardized scope of work for the proposed cellsite design. The initial cell site plan record, the historic cell siteplan record, the vendor record, and/or the compiled cell site plan andbilling record are maintained by a cell site planning informationsystem.

Other embodiments provide for further methods. In another embodiment,the initial cell site plan record and/or the historic cell site planrecord may be associated and matched with the vendor record of a commongeographic area. For example, if a cell site identifier of the initialcell site contained a location parameter of Los Angeles, Calif., thenonly vendor records having a contractor identifier with a similarlocation parameter are associated and matched. That is, vendors in theCalifornia area are associated with the proposed cell site design andbilling plan. In another embodiment, the initial cell site plan recordand/or the historic cell site plan record are further associated withthe vendor record to only match vendor records with a billing record forthe standardized scope of work set forth for the proposed cell sitedesign. For example, if a structural record of the initial cell siteplan record is necessary, then only vendor records having a structuralbilling record for a standardized structural service are associated andmatched. Vendors with no entry or with a “0” entry for the standardizedstructural service are not used in benchmark calculations nor are thesevendors displayed to the user. According to further embodiments, afterthe vendor record is associated and matched, the cell site planninginformation system displays a list of matched vendor records in a userfriendly format. For example, according to an embodiment, the vendorrecords may be organized and displayed by the contractor identifier,ranked from a lowest financial value to a highest financial value forthe matched service of the proposed cell site design. Alternatively, thevendor records may be organized and displayed alphabetically by a nameof the contractor identifier. Further, the vendor records may beorganized and displayed for vendors bidding lower than the benchmarkfinancial value, for all vendors (e.g., an exhaustive list of allvendors having a matched vendor records), and/or for a specific vendoridentified by the contract identifier (e.g., name, address, etc.). Stillfurther, other embodiments provide for comparing the financial value ofthe vendor records with the benchmark financial value of the proposedcell site design. For example, the matched list of vendors may highlightthe benchmark financial value in a location proximate to a financialvalue of the vendor record so that the user can easily see how much theproposed design should reasonably cost and compare it to how much aparticular vendor/contractor charges. And, if desired, the user couldcontact the vendor to discuss price differences and negotiate terms,conditions, and costs of the proposed cell site design. For example, ifthe vendor's price was higher than the benchmark financial value, thenthe user could discuss this with the vendor to understand why thevendor's cost is higher and to see if the vendor might discount hisprice to the benchmark financial value. If the vendor agrees to discounthis price, then the user could update the applicable vendor record tosupplant the applicable discounted billing record to meet the benchmarkfinancial value.

Another of the embodiments of this invention describes a cell siteplanning information system that includes a cell site planning databaseand a cell site planning management application. The database maintainsan historic cell site plan record and/or a vendor record. The historiccell site plan record includes an historic cell site identifier (e.g.,name, address, and region), a parametric record (e.g., wind speed, towertype, and tower height), a construction record (e.g., gravel or pavedroad, clearing, permitting, drilling, concrete pour, fence install,cable install, etc.), an environmental record (e.g., Phase I study, NEPAcompliance, ASTM, SHPO, etc.), a management record (e.g., inspections,scheduling, project co-ordination, etc.), an architectural record (e.g.,survey, etc.), a structural record (e.g., structural analysis), and/or asite acquisition record (e.g., zoning, leasing, etc.). The vendor recordincludes a contractor identifier (e.g., name, address, region) and oneor more billing records. These billing records include a constructionbilling record for a construction service (e.g., how much the vendorcharges for building a gravel or paved road, etc.), an environmentalbilling record for an environmental service (e.g., how much the vendorcharges for conducting a Phase I study, etc.), a management billingrecord for a management service (e.g., how much the vendor charges toprovide construction management service), an architectural billingrecord for an architectural service (e.g., how much the vendor chargesfor a 2C survey, etc.), a structural billing record for a structuralservice (e.g., how much the vendor charges for structural analysis), anda site acquisition billing record for a site acquisition service (e.g.,how much the vendor charges for zoning, etc.). Each billing record is“unitized” containing only distinct discrete unit pricing for a servicethat the cell site planning application and/or information system usesto derive the benchmark financial value for the proposed cell sitedesign. For example, unit pricing may be stored as dollars per yard ofconcrete, dollars per foot of road, dollars per foot of cable or towersteel, and so on. Further, the cell site planning management applicationprovides an interface with the cell site planning database and allows auser to input an initial cell site plan record that includes a cell siteidentifier, a new cell site parameter (i.e., cell site is newconstruction), a colocation parameter (i.e., cell site antenna will beadded to existing structure), a water parameter (e.g., proximate watertable to consider for foundation type), a parametric record, aconstruction record, an environmental record, a management record, anarchitectural record, a structural record, and a site acquisitionrecord. Still further, the cell site planning application accesses thehistoric cell site plan record and/or the vendor record and associatesthe initial cell site plan record and/or the historic cell site planrecord with the vendor record to create a compiled cell site plan andbilling record. Thereafter, the cell site planning application createsand maintains a selected view (e.g., a graphical user interface of theproposed cell site design) associated with one or more compiled cellsite plan and billing records. The cell site planning applicationprovides means to establish, monitor, take action on, and report on thecompiled cell site plan and billing record. For example, a user cancreate a new record, update one or more of the database records, monitorbenchmark financial values of proposed cell site design with actualcosts, select the contractor/vendor for the proposed cell site design,and/or generate reports. In addition, the cell site planning applicationsupports online tasks and offline data maintenance and exchange, such asproviding updated information to one or more peripheral databases.

Other systems, methods, and/or computer program products according toembodiments will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art uponreview of the following figures and detailed description. It is intendedthat all such additional systems, methods, and/or computer programproducts be included within this description, be within the scope ofthis invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of this invention arebetter understood when the following Detailed Description of theInvention is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a cell site planning and billingapplication (also referred to herein as a “CellSite BudgetMaster”) thatresides in a computer system according to embodiments of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a two-tier cell site planning andbilling computer network architect according to embodiments of thisinvention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a three-tier cell site planning andbilling computer network architect according to embodiments of thisinvention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustrating an overview of an exemplary operatingenvironment of an online cell site planning and billing system (alsoreferred to herein as a “CellSite BudgetMaster” system) according toembodiments of this invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustrating a logical view of modules, reports,ad-hoc queries, and/or administrative features of CellSite BudgetMasteraccording to embodiments of this invention;

FIGS. 6-17 are pictures of Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) according toembodiments of this invention;

FIGS. 18A-B are tables of parametric calculations for foundation sizesand types corresponding to tower heights and types at ninety miles perhour wind speed with water and without water according to embodiments ofthis invention;

FIGS. 19-29 are pictures of Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) accordingto embodiments of this invention;

FIGS. 30-34 are generated reports according to embodiments of thisinvention.

FIGS. 35-36 are tables illustrating a vendor record according toembodiments of this invention; and

FIGS. 37-39 are flow charts of methods for cell site planning andbilling according to embodiments of this invention;

FIG. 40 is an alternate block diagram showing a cell site planning andbilling application (also referred to herein as a “CellSiteBudgetMaster”) that resides in a computer system according toembodiments of this invention;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This invention now will be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodimentsare shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many differentforms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments setforth herein. These embodiments are provided so that this disclosurewill be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of theinvention to those of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, allstatements herein reciting embodiments of the invention, as well asspecific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural andfunctional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that suchequivalents include both currently known equivalents as well asequivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed thatperform the same function, regardless of structure).

Thus, for example, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill inthe art that the diagrams, schematics, illustrations, and the likerepresent conceptual views or processes illustrating systems and methodsembodying this invention. The functions of the various elements shown inthe figures may be provided through the use of dedicated hardware aswell as hardware capable of executing associated software. Similarly,any switches shown in the figures are conceptual only. Their functionmay be carried out through the operation of program logic, throughdedicated logic, through the interaction of program control anddedicated logic, or even manually, the particular technique beingselectable by the entity implementing this invention. Those of ordinaryskill in the art further understand that the exemplary hardware,software, processes, methods, and/or operating systems described hereinare for illustrative purposes and, thus, are not intended to be limitedto any particular named manufacturer.

This invention provides methods, systems, computer programs, andcomputer program products that automate cell site design and planning byusing cell site design inputs and/or default cell site designparameters, by calculating benchmark costs to efficiently gauge andmanage cell site design and planning costs, and by generating a list ofapplicable vendors/contractors with each vendor's cost to aid in theselection of and negotiations with a particular vendor. According toembodiments of this invention, a user interacts with a clientworkstation to logon and access a cell site planning application and/ora cell site planning information system that allows a user to inputinitial cell site data and, if desired, to access historical cell sitedata for proposed cell site parameters to design and plan for a cellsite. Once the cell site application and/or information system generatesthe proposed cell site design, the cell site application and/orinformation system accesses a database of vendor data and integrates thevendor data with the proposed cell site design to determine a benchmarkcost for the proposed cell site design. If desired, the cell siteapplication and/or information system generates a list of proposedvendors and each vendor's corresponding cost(s) for performing a serviceof the proposed cell site design. The service, as described furtherbelow, may be performed for either all services of the module or for subor partial services of the module. In further embodiments, thisinvention provides access to databases of the historical cell site data(such as, for example, historical cell site designs, parametriccalculations for tower type and foundation type, geographic wind speedsrequired by the EIA Code, and other cell site planning information) andvendor data (such as, for example, vendor name and contact information,vendor costs for cell site services, user comments regarding customersatisfaction, whether the vendor offers any discounts or otherincentives, and other vendor information). A more detailed descriptionof these and other embodiments are described below with reference to theaccompanying figures.

As used herein, the term “client workstation” includes wired andwireless communications devices, such as a mobile phone, a wirelessphone, a Wireless Access Protocol (WAP) phone, a satellite phone, apersonal computer (PC), a modem, a pager, a digital music device, adigital recording device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), aninteractive television, a digital signal processor, and/or a GlobalPositioning System device. Further, as used herein, the term “data”includes electronic information, such as, for example facsimile,electronic mail (e-mail), text, video, audio, and/or voice in a varietyof formats, such as dual tone multi-frequency, digital, analog, and/orothers. Additionally, the data may include: (1) executable programs,such as a software application, (2) an address, location, and/or otheridentifier of the storage location for the data, (3) integrated orotherwise combined files, and/or (4) profiles associated withconfiguration, authenticity, security, and others. In variousembodiments, the data may be stored by the client workstation, aperipheral storage device coupled with the client workstation, a networkconnected with the client workstation, and/or other connected networks.

Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating acell site planning management application referred to as a “CellSiteBudgetMaster” application 110 (also referred to herein as “CellSiteBudgetMaster” and “BudgetMaster”). The CellSite BudgetMaster 110 residesin a client workstation, shown as a personal computer 100. The CellSiteBudgetMaster 110 operates within a system memory device. The CellSiteBudgetMaster 110, for example, is shown residing in a memory subsystem112. The CellSite BudgetMaster 110, however, could also reside in flashmemory 114 and/or in a peripheral storage device, such as storage device116. The personal computer 100 also has one or more central processors120 executing an operating system. The operating system, as is wellknown, has a set of instructions that control the internal functions ofthe personal computer 100. A system bus 122 communicates signals, suchas data signals, control signals, and address signals, between thecentral processors 120 and a system controller 124 (typically called a“Northbridge”). The system controller 124 provides a bridging functionbetween the one or more central processors 120, a graphics subsystem126, the memory subsystem 112, and a PCI (Peripheral ControllerInterface) bus 128. The PCI bus 128 is controlled by a Peripheral BusController 130. The Peripheral Bus Controller 130 (typically called a“Southbridge”) is an integrated circuit that serves as an input/outputhub for various peripheral ports. These peripheral ports could include,for example, a keyboard port 132, a mouse port 134, a serial port 136and/or a parallel port 138. Additionally, these peripheral ports wouldallow the personal computer 100 to communicate with a variety ofcommunications devices through Wired Comm Device Port 140 (such as,SCSI, USB, modem V90+, compact flash slots, Ethernet, and the like) andWireless Transceiver 142 (such as, the IEEE Wireless standard 802.11,the Industrial and Scientific Band of the electromagnetic spectrum, andInfrared). The Peripheral Bus Controller 130 could also include an audiosubsystem 144. Still further, the personal computer 100 may include apower source 160, such as a rechargeable battery, to provide power andallow the personal computer 100 to be portable. Those of ordinary skillin the art understand that the program, processes, methods, and systemsdescribed in this patent are not limited to any particular computersystem or computer hardware.

The processor 120 is typically a microprocessor. Advanced Micro Devices,Inc., for example, manufactures a full line of ATHLON™ microprocessors(ATHLON™ is a trademark of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc., One AMD Place,P.O. Box 3453, Sunnyvale, Calif. 94088-3453, 408.732.2400, 800.538.8450,www.amd.com). The Intel Corporation also manufactures a family of X86and P86 microprocessors (Intel Corporation, 2200 Mission College Blvd.,Santa Clara, Calif. 95052-8119, 408.765.8080, www.intel.com). Othermanufacturers also offer microprocessors. Such other manufacturersinclude Motorola, Inc. (1303 East Algonquin Road, P.O. Box A3309Schaumburg, Ill. 60196, www.Motorola.com), International BusinessMachines Corp. (New Orchard Road, Armonk, N.Y. 10504, (914) 499-1900,www.ibm.com), and Transmeta Corp. (3940 Freedom Circle, Santa Clara,Calif. 95054, www.transmeta.com). Those skilled in the art furtherunderstand that the program, processes, methods, and systems describedin this patent are not limited to any particular manufacturer's centralprocessor.

The preferred operating system is WINDOWS® (WINDOWS® is a registeredtrademark of Microsoft Corporation, One Microsoft Way, Redmond Wash.98052-6399, 425.882.8080, www.microsoft.com). For example, an embodimentof this invention utilizes customized VisualBasic® queries associatedwith graphical user interfaces, MS Access® applications, MS Excel®spreadsheets, and MS Word® word processing applications to provide asuite of tools for CellSite Budgemaster 110. Other operating systems andprograms, however, are also suitable. For example, such other operatingsystems would include the UNIX® operating system (UNIX® is a registeredtrademark of the Open Source Group, www.opensource.org), the UNIX-basedLinux operating system, WINDOWS NT®, and Mac® OS (Mac® is a registeredtrademark of Apple Computer, Inc., 1 Infinite Loop, Cupertino, Calif.95014, 408.996.4010, www.apple.com). Those of ordinary skill in the artagain understand that the program, processes, methods, and systemsdescribed in this patent are not limited to any particular operatingsystem.

The system memory device (shown as memory subsystem 112, flash memory114, and/or peripheral storage device 116) may also contain one or moredatabases and other application programs. For example, anotherapplication program may cooperate with the operating system and with avideo display unit (via the serial port 136 and/or the parallel port138) to provide a Graphical User Interface (GUI) for the CellSiteBudgetMaster 110. The GUI typically includes a combination of signalscommunicated along the keyboard port 132 and the mouse port 134. The GUIprovides a convenient visual and/or audible interface with the user ofthe personal computer 100. As is apparent to those of ordinary skill inthe art, the selection and arrangement of the CellSite BudgetMaster 110may be programmed over a variety of alternate mediums, such as, forexample, a voice-activated menu prompt.

As shown in FIGS. 2-4, a cell site planning information system mayalternatively be based on a distributed, client/server architecture thatsupports object oriented technology, messaging, transactions, security,system management, and/or reporting. According to embodiments of thisinvention, a two-tier technical architecture consists of a clientworkstation operating with the CellSite BudgetMaster application 110 anda database server operating with a CellSite BudgetMaster database(referred to as “CellSite BM DB”) 230 as shown in FIG. 2. According toother embodiments of this invention, FIG. 3 shows a three-tier technicalarchitecture that operates over a private communications network 310.The private communications network 310 includes a client workstationshown as the personal computer 100, an intranet 312, an applicationserve 314, the CellSite BudgetMaster database 230 and database server.Typically, a user (e.g., a cell site designer) uses the personalcomputer 100 to access the CellSite BudgetMaster application 110 afterlogging onto the intranet 312 that controls access and manages assets ofthe private network 310. For example, the application server 314 mayprovide the CellSite BudgetMaster application 110 as well as otherapplications 318 over the intranet 312 to the personal computer 100.Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 4, the client workstation may be a standalone device, or the client workstation may be integrated into a thirdparty communications network. FIG. 4, for example, shows the clientworkstation as a personal digital assistant 432, a mobile phone 434, amodem 436, an interactive pager 438, a global positioning system 440, adigital media player 442 (such as an MP3/4 device), a digital signalprocessor 444, interactive television 446, and/or a stand alone computer448. If a stand alone or third party workstation is used to gain accessto private network 310, then the alternate workstation connects toprivate network 310 through a communications network 420 (e.g., digitalsubscriber line (DSL) via Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN)) anda firewall 410. Whatever hardware and/or software of the clientworkstation, the client workstation provides a Graphical User Interface(GUI) for viewing and interacting with the CellSite BudgetMasterapplication 110. Further, the application server 314 and the databaseserver for database 230 are multi-user computer systems, e.g.,UNIX-based servers. Still further, it should be understood that multipleclient systems and programs might be distributed throughout a network.Furthermore, several application servers running multiple applicationsmay be located at various places, and multiple database servers anddatabases may be distributed as well. Those of ordinary skill in the artfurther understand that the exemplary operating systems, software, andhardware including the client workstation, private network components,and third party communications network described herein are forillustrative purposes and, this invention may be adapted for use with avariety of other operating systems, software, and hardware, and thus,are not intended to be limited to any particular technical architect.

FIG. 5 shows a model framework of cell site planning and/or billingtools available through CellSite BudgetMaster 110. These tools includemodules 510 for designing new cell sites, reports 520 of cell siteplanning and/or billing data, ad-hoc query tools 530 to accesshistorical cell site design data and/or vendor data, and administrativetools 540. The modules 510 represent computer program segments that aprocessor (e.g., processor 120 of FIG. 1) executes to generate aproposed cell site design and/or a benchmark financial value of theproposed cell site design. The computer program segments receive,access, retrieve, compile, generate, and/or otherwise manage data of aninitial cell site plan record, an historical cell site plan record, avendor record, and a compiled cell site planning and billing record. Theinitial cell site plan record includes data for a cell site identifier,a new cell site parameter, a colocation parameter, a water parameter, aparametric record, a construction record, an environmental record, amanagement record, an architectural record, a structural record, and/ora site acquisition record. The historic cell site plan is similar to theinitial cell site record but stores data for existing cell sites orproposed cell site designs. Typically, the historic cell site planrecords includes an historic cell site identifier, a parametric record,a construction record, an environmental record, a management record, anarchitectural record, a structural record, and/or a site acquisitionrecord. The vendor record includes data for a contractor identifier, aconstruction billing record for a construction service, an environmentalbilling record for an environmental service, a management billing recordfor a management service, an architectural billing record for anarchitectural service, a structural billing record for a structuralservice, and/or a site acquisition billing record for a site acquisitionservice. Typically, the data of the vendor record is populated frominputs received from a vendor/contractor. The computer program segmentsthen compile the initial cell site plan record, the historic cell siteplan record, and/or the vendor record to generate a proposed cell sitedesign and/or a benchmark financial value for the proposed cell sitedesign. The compiled cell site planning and billing record may begenerated for each module, a combination of modules, or all modules ofthe proposed cell site design.

These computer program segments are separated into six modules, that is,a Construction module, a Geotechnical module, a Construction Management(referred to as “Construction Mgmt”) module, an Architectural &Engineering (referred to as “A&E”) module, a Structural Analysis module,and a Site Acquisition module. It can be appreciated, however, that thefunctions performed by these modules can be further separated into moremodules, combined together to form less modules, and/or be distributedthroughout the system, and still fall within the scope of thisinvention. The operation of these tools will now be described in furtherdetail with reference to FIGS. 6-22.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary CellSite BudgetMaster entry screen 600for the user to input his/her “User ID” 610 and “Password” 620.Thereafter, the user navigates to a “Cell Sites” screen 700 of FIG. 7,and the user may either (1) input a search term for an ad-hoc query ofan historical cell site plan record, (2) select a new cell site promptfor cell site planning, (3) access a vendor record, and/or (4) generatea report. The ad-hoc query of the historic cell site plan record may beimplemented by either using a “Search for Cell Sites in Region”pull-down menu 710, by receiving an input for a “Search for Site Name”prompt 720, by receiving an input for a “Search for Site Number” prompt730, or by receiving an input for a “Construction Manager” prompt 735 toview historic cell site plan record associated with the constructionmanager (i.e., previous user). Thereafter, a “Search Now” button 740 isactivated and the ad-hoc query is run to identify one or more cell sitesthat match the user input(s). If, however, the user wants to design anew cell site, then the user activates a “New Cell Site” prompt 750displayed in a lower left hand corner to navigate to a “New Site 1”screen 800 of FIG. 8. The “Location Information” screen 805 is displayedand the user is prompted to enter data for an initial cell site planrecord that includes a cell site identifier, such as a “Site No.”identifier 810, a “Name” identifier 812, an “Address” identifier 814, a“City” Identifier 816, a “State” identifier 818, a “Zip” identifier 820,a “Region” identifier 830 from a pull-down menu, a “County” identifier832 from a pull down menu, and user “Comments” 860. If needed, CellSiteBudgetMaster 110 uses the County identifier 832 input of the initialcell site plan record to associate a wind speed of the historic cellsite plan record. More specifically, the historic cell site plan recordincludes the EIA Code for required design wind speeds matched with theCounty identifier 832. The user is also prompted to identify a “Type”identifier 840 to specify if the new cell site to design is a new cellsite (“New Build”) or is a colocation (“Colo”). And, finally, the useris provided a pull-down menu for a “Tower” identifier 842 and mayspecify if the new cell site is a monopole, self-support, or guyedtower. However, the user does not have to specify a tower and,consequently, CellSite BudgetMaster 110 will select the Tower based onthe initial cell site plan record, an historical cell site plan record,and/or a vendor record. The process of selecting the Tower is well-knownin the art, so this patent will not further discuss the selectioncriteria. If, however, the reader desires more information on Towercharacteristics, advantages, and disadvantages, then the reader isinvited to consult: PAUL BEDELL, CELLULAR/PCS MANAGEMENT A REAL WORLDPERSPECTIVE 52-63 (1999), of which is incorporated herein by reference.

After inputting some of the initial cell site parameters, the user mustthen select the modules for the new cell site design. The modules areinitially displayed in a “Main” view 870 with a pull-down “View” menu865 to navigate and view the Main view 870 summarizes all six modules orto navigate to one of the six modules for more detailed data of eachmodule. The Main view 870 is positioned proximate to the LocationInformation view 805 that is populated with the initial cell site planrecord. The six modules are accessed by selecting one of a “SiteAcquisition” prompt 880, a “Geotechnical” prompt 882, an “A and E”prompt 884, a “Structural” prompt 886, a “Construction Mgmt.” 888prompt, and a “Construction” prompt 890. Each module of the proposedcell site design further identifies one or more standardized scope ofservices that can either be selected by the user or be set as a defaultfor the proposed cell site design. These standardized scopes of servicesfor each module are specified in further detail in Tables 1-6 below. Thedefaults are automatically activated when CellSite BudgetMaster receivesthe initial cell site plan record and associates historical cell siteplan records and/or vendor records as the user navigates through amodule. These defaults will be further explained below. After a proposedcell site design is generated, the Main view 870 displays a selected“Contractor” 872, a “Module Cost” 874, and a “Benchmark” 876 for eachapplicable module of the proposed cell site design. And, the Main viewfurther displays a “Total Module Cost” 892 having a total financialvalue for the services of all modules required for the proposed cellsite design and a “Total BenchMark Cost” 894 having a total financialvalue for all benchmark financial values of all modules required for theproposed cell site design. In addition, if the user wants to specify aTurnkey Vendor Selection, that is, to specify that all of the work foreach of the modules of the proposed cell site design is performed by onevendor, then the user may select a “Turnkey Vendor Selection” prompt 896to only select vendors that provide services for every module of theproposed cell site design.

Referring now to each module, the Site Acquisition services includepreliminary planning, identifying candidate sites, assisting innegotiation with potential lessors, and/or securing lease(s) for thecell site land. Theses services may also require the contractor/vendorto coordinate any required testing, such as, but not limited to drivetests, environmental assessments, geotechnical reports, structuralanalysis, and/or others as required. If the user selects the SiteAcquisition prompt 880, then a “Site Acquisition” view 910 of FIG. 9 isdisplayed proximate to the Location Information view 805 that ispopulated with the initial cell site plan record. The Site Acquisitionview 910 identifies four Site Acquisition services that may be performedfor the proposed cell site design. These services are displayed as a“Zoning: Public Hearing” prompt 912, a “Zoning: Admin” prompt 914, a“Candidate Search” prompt 916, and a “Leasing/Negotiation” prompt 918.The scopes of services for these prompts are set forth in Table 1 below.Further, CellSite BudgetMaster 110 uses business rules understood bythose of ordinary skill in the art to automatically select the CandidateSearch prompt 916 and the Leasing/Negotiation prompt 918 all because theinitial cell record identified the Type 840 as a “Colo.” However, theuser may de-select a defaulted prompt(s) (here the defaults are 916 and918) and control selection of a prompt that correspond to the serviceneeded for the Site Acquisition of the proposed cell site design.CellSite BudgetMaster 110 calculates a benchmark financial value of theproposed cell site design for each module depending on which prompts areselected for services of that module.

TABLE 1 Standardized Scope of Work for Site Acquisition Services ServiceStandardized Scope of Work for Service Zoning: File all applicationforms with the applicable municipal Public authority. Hearing Prepareall presentation material for the zoning process such as PowerPointpresentations, photosimulations, etc. Perform any testing identified bythe applicable municipality such as a balloon test. Coordinate withCompany and the applicable A&E firm to produce site plans orconstruction drawings as required for successful zoning. Provide copiesof all zoning approvals to Company. Contractor will support an unlimitednumber of public hearings. Contractor will be available to provideexpert testimony. Contractor will post all public hearing announcementsor results (usually newspaper) set forth by the applicable municipality.Zoning: File all application forms with the applicable municipal Adminauthority. Prepare all presentation material for the zoning process suchas PowerPoint presentations, photosimulations, etc. Perform any testingin accordance with the applicable municipality such as a balloon test.Coordinate with Company and the applicable A&E firm to produce siteplans or construction drawings for successful zoning. Provide copies ofall zoning approvals to Company Candidate Drive Search Area. SearchSupply Site Candidate Information Package (SCIP) for at least 3candidates that meet Company's criteria. Candidates should be selectedbased on adherence to RF design criteria, lease feasibility, feasibilityof obtaining necessary jurisdictional approvals, and ease and cost ofconstruction. For each candidate that Company denies, Company has theoption of requiring Contractor to submit a new candidate at noadditional cost to Company. SCIP form to be provided by Company (SCIPwill include information related to the description of the site,including its location and a site location map as well as propertyownership information). Provide, as part of SCIP, attachments such asphotographs from all four directions (N. E. S. &W.), a close-up ofcandidate, and a distant view towards candidate; site location map;Assessor's Parcel Map. Identify every competitor tower and colocationopportunity within the search area and within view of the search area.Provide location of other carriers on the site, if any. Includepreliminary zoning analysis of jurisdictional zoning processes todetermine the feasibility of zoning approvals. Recommend the site thatbest meets the system design requirements, leasing objectives,construction parameters, offers land use compatibility and that shouldbe pursued for a lease agreement. Coordinate Site visit with owner andCompany representatives. Site visit to include Site Development, RFEngineering, Zoning, and Construction. Provide weekly reports of siteacquisition status; all SCIPs should be delivered within 2 weeks ofreceiving search area map. Leasing/ Negotiate with property owner tosecure a Company Negotiation approved lease for the primary site. Leasered lines must be accompanied by a review sheet stating changes to thestandard document, if any, and owner's intent. All business terms mustbe approved by Company Site Development before being included in lease.All Legal terms must be approved by Company legal counsel before beingincluded in lease. Provide 4 copies of agreements executed by landownerafter route sheet (form to be provided by Company) has been approved.Provide hard and soft copies of a completed Real Estate Site Report(form to be provided by Company) including the following information:Title Report and Insurance if required ASTM completed by owner SignedW-9 from owner Copy of existing survey, plat map, or drawing of propertyCopy of owner's Warranty Deed Attornment and Non-Disturbance agreementContract and zoning information City zoning maps and site locator mapMemorandum of Lease (to be filed by Contractor) Photographs of site,including ones usable for renderings Access and Utility Easements (mustbe approved by Company before execution). Telco &power utility providersmay require easements directly from property owner. Provide telephonecompany standard easement document to owner for signature. Coordinatewith Company Real Estate/ Construction Dept. Coordinate with propertyowner or property manager to execute an Entry and Testing Agreement, ifrequired. Assist in curing any defects with the title report. Meetsurveyor at site with representative of Company Real Estate orConstruction Dept to verify site layout. Review completed surveys foraccuracy and completeness before giving to Construction. Support thezoning process by providing information as required. Attend buildmeetings and provide weekly status. If the site is a colocation,Contractor will also be expected to provide the following: Submit acolocation application to the tower owner (application fee is to be paidby Company). Obtain a 2C tolerance survey for latitude, longitude andground elevation and a 1A tolerance survey for height if available fromtower owner (a 1A tolerance survey for all data is also acceptable). Forlocations not having pre-existing 2C surveys, a new 1A survey, to bepaid for by Company, is required. Provide all NEPA related informationfrom the structure owner if available. Provide a copy of the clearancefrom the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) from the tower ownerif a tower was constructed after Mar. 16, 2001. Have structure ownersign Company FAA/ SHPO tower structure compliance certification inconnection with NEPA &SHPO requirements. (Company to provide form).Provide a copy of FAA Forms 7460 and 7460-1, if applicable. Provide acopy of FCC Forms 854 and 854R, if applicable. Provide verification thatthe FCC Tower Registration number has been posted at the site and iseasily readable on both the driveway entry gate and the tower compoundgate (if applicable). Verify the type of FAA marking and lighting on thestructure, if applicable. Provide a copy of the most recent constructiondrawings (to include tower manufacturing drawings) as well as the mostrecent structural analysis, if available. Electronic format ispreferred. If electronic format is not available, a hard copy shall beprovided. This data will be forwarded to the A&E firm for their use indeveloping drawings for the site.

Referring now to the Geotechnical services, these services are forenvironmental compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. Ifthe user selects the Geotechnical prompt 882, then a “Geotechnical” view4010 of FIG. 10 is displayed proximate to the Location Information view805 that is populated with the initial cell site plan record. TheGeotechnical view 4010 identifies ten Geotechnical services that may beperformed for the proposed cell site design. These services aredisplayed as a “Phase I Study” prompt 1012, a “Phase II Study” prompt1014, a “Soil Analysis” prompt 1016, a “NEPA checklist” prompt 1018, a“SHPO Study” prompt 1020, an “ASTM” prompt 1022, an “Arch CulturalSurvey” prompt 1024, an “Architectural Survey” prompt 1026, an “Envir.Assess” prompt 1028, and a “Bundle Deal” prompt 1030. The scope ofservices for these prompts are set forth in Table 2 below. Further,CellSite BudgetMaster 110 uses business rules understood by those ofordinary skill in the art to automatically select the Phase I Studyprompt 1012, the NEPA checklist prompt 1018, and the SHPO Study prompt1020 since the initial cell record identified the Type 840 as a “Colo.”However, the user may de-select a defaulted prompt (here the defaultsare 1012, 1018, and 1020) and control selection of a prompt thatcorresponds to the service needed for the Site Acquisition of theproposed cell site design.

TABLE 2 Standardized Scope of Work for Geotechnical Services ServiceStandardized Scope of Work for Service Phase I Study Complete a Phase IEnvironmental Site Assessment in accordance with the ASTM E-1527Standard Practice, including: Complete site inspection by qualifiedpersonnel. Include a summary document. Include site photographs. Includeaerial photographs. Include USFWS wetlands map, FEMA map, and USGStopographic map. Include state and federal records and environmentaldatabase radius report. Include compilation of appropriate local, state,and federal agency documentation. Include owner and appropriate agencyinterviews. Include assessment of 50-year chain-of-title. Submit onebound and one unbound copy of the report to Company. Phase II StudyComplete a Phase II soil test per Company direction based upon theconclusions reached in the Phase I report, including: Have soil samplestaken from the site by qualified personnel. Have soil tested byreputable, qualified environmental testing laboratory. Prepare reportthat includes written analysis from laboratory with results ofcontamination levels, and conclusions as to risk level or proceedingwith construction at a specific site. Soil Analysis A geotechnicalexploration will be performed for each raw land site. The objective isto develop information about the site and subsurface conditions and toprovide general foundation recommendations for the proposed facility,including: Perform reconnaissance of the site by the drill crew. Haveunderground utilities located prior to starting exploration. Mobilizestaff and equipment to site. Complete soil borings as described below.Drill one 50-foot deep soil test boring (ASTM D 1586) for proposed selfsupported &monopole towers, and one (1) 30′ deep boring at guyed towerlocation and (1) 30′ boring at guy anchor location designated by client.Perform Standard Penetration Test (SPT) resistance testing on 2½-footcenters for the top 10 feet of the boring and on 5-foot centers for theremainder of the boring. Obtain “undisturbed” Shelby tube samples, ifappropriate, for potential laboratory testing. Stratify subsurfaceconditions within depth of boring(s). Collect water level measurement(s)prior to backfilling borehole(s) and include depth below grade to watertable at time boring was taken. Provide general recommendations forfoundation type. Prepare field-drilling logs with descriptions by layerof soil classification characteristics (SPT resistance values), groundwater observations, and RQD and recovery values for rock core for eachboring. Provide 5 each 8½ × 11 Geotechnical Report. Due 10 business daysfrom NTP. NEPA checklist Completion of Section 106 Process, including:Complete site inspection by qualified personnel. Complete a copy of theNEPA Checklist. Include a summary document. Include site photographs.Include USFWS wetlands map, FEMA map, and USGS topographic map. Send andinclude copies of letters to all appropriate State and Federal agencies,including but not limited to the USF&WS, state conservation offices,state historic preservation offices (SHPO), and appropriate IndianTribes. Include viewshed information to the SHPO, along with aresearch-based opinion (by an historian with qualifications acceptableto the applicable SHPO) of “No Affect,” “No Adverse Effect,” or “AdverseEffect.” Include responses from each State and Federal agency and IndianTribe. Calculate the APE and check all appropriate sources for historicbuildings/districts that are eligible for listing on the NationalRegister. Include photographs of any historic structures within the APEand photographs from the historic site looking towards the potentialcell site. Submit one bound and one unbound copy of the NEPA Checklist,photographs, letters, and maps to Company SHPA Study Completion ofSection 106 Process, including: Complete site inspection by qualifiedpersonnel. Complete a copy of the NEPA Checklist. Include a summarydocument. Include site photographs. Include USFWS wetlands map, FEMAmap, and USGS topographic map. Send and include copies of letters to allappropriate State and Federal agencies, including but not limited to theUSF&WS, state conservation offices, state historic preservation offices(SHPO), and appropriate Indian Tribes. Include viewshed information tothe SHPO, along with a research-based opinion (by an historian withqualifications acceptable to the applicable SHPO) of “No Affect,” “NoAdverse Effect,” or “Adverse Effect.” Include responses from each Stateand Federal agency and Indian Tribe. Calculate the APE and check allappropriate sources for historic buildings/districts that are eligiblefor listing on the National Register. Include photographs of anyhistoric structures within the APE and photographs from the historicsite looking towards the potential cell site. Submit one bound and oneunbound copy of the NEPA Checklist, photographs, letters, and maps toCompany. ASTM Complete the Transaction Screen Questionnaire inaccordance with the ASTM E-1528 Standard Practice and investigate anddetermine the current and past operations and conditions at the propertybeing considered for acquisition or lease, which may have had or mayhave an adverse environmental impact on the site and/or a businessenvironmental risk, including: Complete site inspection by qualifiedpersonnel. Include a summary document. Include site photographs. IncludeUSGS topographic figure. Include state and federal records andenvironmental database radius report. Include ASTM E-1528 TransactionScreen Questionnaire completed by property owner and consultant. IncludeCompany-provided Environmental Assessment Evaluation. Submit one boundand one unbound copy of the report to Company. Arch Cultural SurveyComplete a NHPA Section 106 Cultural Resources Investigation, Phase IArchaeology Survey, including: Include a satisfactory site investigationby a 36 CFR 61-qualified professional archaeologist Include one boundand one unbound copy of a summary report per state and federalrequirements. Architectural Survey Complete a NHPA Section 106 CulturalResources Investigation, Architectural Survey of all structures withinthe APE as applicable per state requirements, including: Include anassessment of visual effect on identified NRHP-eligible and NRHP listedarchitectural properties by an historian with qualifications acceptableto the applicable SHPO. Environmental Assess Complete the FCC-mandatedEnvironmental Assessment per Company guidelines, including: Include asummary document containing a description of NEPA process applicabilityto site, site description, zoning and public controversy statement,alternatives analysis, applicable maps and facility site plan, NEPAchecklist, photographs, applicable permits and letters, agency permitsand approvals, interviews, summary statement, and qualifications ofconsultants. Bundle Deal Includes services for NEPA checklist, ASTM,Phase I Study, and SHPO Study

The reader is now referred back to the A&E services associated with A&Eprompt 884 shown in FIG. 8. These services are for A&E activitiesincluding, but not limited to, site visits with Site Acquisition agentsand with business team members to determine site layout/configuration.These services further include commission and complete Metes and boundssurvey, along with 1A or 2C survey as specified, delivery of preliminarydesign drawings if required, issued drawings for permitting drawings(zoning, city review, etc), final issued drawings for constructiondrawings, structural analysis, as built drawings (if required), andGeotechnical explorations. If the user selects the A&E prompt 884, thenan “Architecture & Engineering” view 1110 of FIG. 11 is displayedproximate to the Location Information view 805 that is populated withthe initial cell site plan record. The Architecture & Engineering view1110 displays a pull-down menu 1120 that allows the user to selectservices for Issued for Construction 1122 and for Issued for PermittingOnly 1124 (not shown) that include six A&E services that may beperformed for the proposed cell site design. These services aredisplayed as a “Colocation” prompt 1132, a “New Build Guyed/SS” prompt1134, a “New Build Monopole” prompt 1136, a “2C Survey” prompt 1138, a“1A Survey” prompt 1140, and an “As-Built” prompt 1142. The scope ofservices for these prompts are set forth in Table 3 below. Further,CellSite BudgetMaster 110 uses business rules understood by those ofordinary skill in the art to automatically select the Colocation prompt1132, 2C Survey prompt 1138, and the As-Built prompt 1142 since theinitial cell record identified the Type 840 as a “Colo” and the defaultfor Issued for Construction is selected. However, the user may de-selecta defaulted prompt (here the defaults are 1132, 1138, and 1142) andcontrol selection of a prompt that corresponds to the service needed forthe A&E of the proposed cell site design. Further, the selection ofColocation 1132, New Build Guyed/SS 1134, or New Build Monopole 1136 isassociated with a tower that is populated using a pull down menu for aTower prompt 850. The pull down menu allows the user to specify if thetower is a Monopole Stack, Self-Support Stack, or a Guyed Tower Stack.Alternatively, the tower may be automatically selected by CellSiteBudgetMaster 110 using intelligent rules for tower selection and theinitial cell site plan record, the historical cell site plan record,and/or the vendor record.

TABLE 3 Standardized Scope of Work for Architecture &EngineeringServices Service Standardized Scope of Work for Service Issued forCreate preliminary site drawings for Company review and createConstruction Issued for Construction drawings of the final stampeddrawings Colocation that the site will be constructed to, including: NewBuild Guyed/SS Produce preliminary design drawings for Company New BuildMonopole review. These drawings may become part of the lease exhibits.Provide drawings with a site layout, tower profile with antenna location(if site is not a tower, i.e., rooftop, then antenna location onstructure). Elevation drawings shall include to scale heights toproposed antenna centerline, tip, structure height &overall structureheight. Coordinate with jurisdiction to verify regulations. ProvideCompany with a minimum of 4 sets of stamped, by PE registered in stateconstruction to be performed in. At a minimum, drawings have thefollowing information: Title Sheet Project Name and Company Referencenumber Site Address Engineers/Architect contact information Surveyorcontact information Property owner contact information CompanyConstruction contact information Electric and Telco contact informationLocal, County, or State jurisdiction contact information Regional andVicinity Map Approval Signature Block Revision Date Block Property ownerCompany Construction Company RF Stamped Survey Drawing. If required, canbe several different pages Parent Tract drawing Parent Tract drawingshould include any and all easements recorded for that property CompanyLeased space drawing Legal description of leased area Legal descriptionof access and utility easements General Standard Provisions sheet (to beprovided) Civil Notes sheet Site Plan Drawings Detailed Site plandrawings Tower/Structure Profile (specify antenna mounts, part numbers,and depict Company's rad center) Antenna and Coaxial Cable Schedule(based upon Company's supplied RF configuration) Antenna Plan Layoutwith individual antenna types/locations specified along with colorcodes, spacing, proper azimuths, etc. Can include Ice Bridge detail onthis page if applicable Construction Detail drawing. FenceSpecification, if applicable Landscaping plan with details, ifapplicable Site compound surfacing detail, if applicable Access roaddetail, if applicable Structural Notes Structural Detail drawingShelter/Equipment Pad design Platform design, if applicable Foundationdesign, this to be supplied by tower manufacture Electric and Telephonenotes Electric and Telephone wiring sit plan Utility detail drawingCommon Rack detail drawing Meter Common Telco demark enclosure Equipmentgrounding detail Guy anchor detail, if applicable Site Grounding detail,if applicable Issued for Permitting Create preliminary site drawings forCompany review and Colocation develop design drawings for zoning andpermitting, including: New Build Guyed/SS Produce preliminary designdrawings for Company review. New Build Monopole These drawings maybecome part of the lease exhibits. Provide drawings with a site layout,tower profile with antenna location (if site is not a tower, i.e.,rooftop, then antenna location on structure). Elevation drawings shallinclude to scale heights to proposed antenna centerline, tip, structureheight &overall structure height. Coordinate with jurisdiction to verifyregulations. Develop drawings detailed enough to present to localjurisdictions for zoning, and/or permitting. Work with localjurisdiction or Zoning contractor to meet City, State, and Federalregulations. If preliminary design available, notify Company of anydeviations to due to zoning, permitting requirements. 2C Survey Landsurvey activities to include, but not limited to a Metes and boundssurvey, with drawing to show all recorded easements, existing andproposed utility routing. Also with the survey will be a 2C toleranceletter (as specified) verifying land elevations. These servicestypically include: Provide Metes and bounds survey detail drawing toCompany. Drawing shall show all utility easements including overhead&underground utility runs, locations of and distances of to nearestelectrical and telephone service, with all utility pole and transformernumbers to be labeled on survey map. Perform 2C tolerance (as specified)elevation survey. Provide Leased area legal description and access andutility legal description. These descriptions can be located on thedrawing. Stake Company's leased space boundaries, and proposed towerlocation with on-site field verification from Company construction. 1ASurvey Land survey activities to include, but not limited to a Metes andbounds survey, with drawing to show all recorded easements, existing andproposed utility routing. Also with the survey will be a 1A toleranceletter (as specified) verifying land elevations. These servicestypically include: Provide Metes and bounds survey detail drawing toCompany. Drawing shall show all utility easements including overhead&underground utility runs, locations of and distances of to nearestelectrical and telephone service, with all utility pole and transformernumbers to be labeled on survey map. Perform 1A tolerance (as specified)elevation survey. Provide Leased area legal description and access andutility legal description. These descriptions can be located on thedrawing. Stake Company's leased space boundaries, and proposed towerlocation with on-site field verification from Company construction.As-Built Drawings As Built Drawings are to be representations of changesthat occurred to the site during construction. These service typicallyinclude: Work with Construction contractors and Company to produce AsBuilt drawings. Company will require a minimum of 3 copies of thesedrawings. As Builts must be in accordance with applicable towermanagement company requirements.

The reader is again referred back to the Structural service associatedwith Structural prompt 890 shown in FIG. 8. This service is forStructural Analysis activities of the contractor to provide a stampedopinion on structural adequacy of an existing Tower structure for acolocation. This is to include, but not limited to colocations (i.e., a“Colo” Type) for Monopoles, Guyed Towers, or Self Support towers. If theuser selects the Structural prompt 890, then a “Structural Analysis”view 1210 of FIG. 12 is displayed proximate to the Location Informationview 805 that is populated with the initial cell site plan record. TheStructural Analysis view 1210 displays a single service that may beperformed for the proposed cell site design. This service is displayedas a “Structural Analysis” prompt 1212. The scope of this service is setforth in Table 4 below. Further, CellSite BudgetMaster 110 uses businessrules understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to automaticallyselect the Structural Analysis prompt 1212 since the initial cell recordidentified the Type 840 as a “Colo.” However, the user may deselect thedefaulted prompt (here the default is 1212) and control selection of theprompt to correspond whether the Structural Analysis is needed for theproposed cell site design.

TABLE 4 Standardized Scope of Work for Structural Analysis ServiceService Standardized Scope of Work for Service Structural AnalysisPerform analysis using latest EIA/TIA specifications Suggest reinforcingideas, including cable distribution, guywire tension adjustments,back-to- back member placement, etc Provide detailed report to Company,stamped by PE registered in state tower is located in. If tower designunavailable, map tower for all information to perform the analysis.

The reader is again referred back to FIG. 8 and the “ConstructionManagement” prompt 888. This service is for Construction Managementactivities that include, but are not limited to, submitting and trackingbuilding permit(s) from the local jurisdiction(s), preparing bidpackages for general contractors, performing bid walks, coordinatingwith the land owner(s), coordinating with power and telephone companies,performing site construction punch walks per Company's specification,providing a weekly update via email to Company's Construction Managerand obtaining all completion packages needed from civil and antenna/linecontractors. If the user selects the Construction Mgmt. prompt 888, thena “Construction Management” view 1310 of FIG. 13 is displayed proximateto the Location Information view 805 that is populated with the initialcell site plan record. The Construction Management view 1310 displays asingle service that may be performed for the proposed cell site design.This service is displayed as a “Construction Management” prompt 1312.The scope of this service is set forth in Table 5 below. Further,CellSite BudgetMaster 110 uses business rules understood by those ofordinary skill in the art to automatically select the ConstructionManagement prompt 1312. However, the user may de-select the defaultedprompt (here the default is 1312) and control selection of the prompt tocorrespond whether the Construction Management is needed for theproposed cell site design.

TABLE 5 Standardized Scope of Work for Construction Management ServiceService Standardized Scope of Work for Service Construction ManagementCoordinate all Architectural and Engineering documents with A&Econtractors. Invoicing will be a paid directly by Company Perform bidwalks with Company approved vendors at each site to ensure best pricingand minimum change orders. (Company's Construction Manager must approveall change orders). Contractor will submit to Company copies of allquotes. Contractor will recommend construction contractors based onprice, performance, overall value. Submit and track all applicablebuilding and electrical permits at the same time bid packages go out.Construction services contractors will pull and pay for these permits.After reviewing Company's response to construction quotes, Contractorwill notify winning bidder that they have been selected. Contractor willnotify construction contractors that did not win the job, that they werenot picked. Contractor will create construction schedule with input fromwinning construction contractor. Coordinate with Company to ensure thatconstruction does not begin without proper regulatory approvals.Coordinate with Company equipment deliveries and sets at siteconstruction location. Coordinate tower anchor bolt delivery ifapplicable. Coordinate tower delivery. Coordinate pickup of Companysupplied material at a warehouse located in the market work is beingperformed in. Provide Company's Construction Manager with weeklypictures and updates via email weekly. Coordinate with concrete testinglabs and verify tests are performed and concrete integrity is intolerance per engineering specifications before equipment and tower isinstalled on site. Perform a telco site walk with local phone companyand drive local phone company to deliver services as quickly aspossible. Ensure that all work is completed per the constructiondrawings and per Company's specifications. Drive all constructionactivities to meet agreed upon construction schedule. Quality assurancefor all site construction to include completing punch lists andcorrecting deficiencies noted. Post FCC# at site. Make sure the civil anantenna contractors provide a standard site completion package toCompany CM. Include concrete break test reports in package. Coordinateand Track milestones associated with Inspections ConstructionDocumentation Bid Awards Architectural and EngineeringEnvironmental/Geotechnical Zoning

The reader is again referred back to FIG. 8 and the Constructionservices associated with the “Construction” prompt 890. These servicesare for Construction activities including all civil construction of thecell site tower, antenna, and line installation for the proposed cellsite design. If the user selects the Construction prompt 890, then a“Construction” view 1410 of FIG. 14 is displayed proximate to theLocation Information view 805 that is populated with the initial cellsite plan record. Notice that for these embodiments, the Type 840 is fora “New Build” (i.e., the proposed cell site design is for a new tower)whereas the embodiments of the above five modules are for a “Colo”(i.e., the proposed cell site design is integrated with an existingtower). The Construction view 1410 displays two parts—Part 1 tab 1420and Part 2 tab 1425. The Part 1 tab 1420 view identifies eight servicesthat may be performed for the proposed cell site design—“Tower” prompt1430, a “Foundation” prompt 1432, a “Compound” prompt 1434, a “Fence”prompt 1436, a “Road” prompt 1438, a “Cable” prompt 1440, an“Infrastructure” prompt 1442, and an “Antenna” prompt 1444. Theunderline for each of the prompts (shown in FIG. 14 as prompts1430-1444) indicates that the user must click on a selected underlinedprompt to specify additional information if the service of that promptis needed for the proposed cell site design. For example, the Towerprompt 1430 is selected, so the user would click on the underlined word“Tower” to navigate to a Tower Section screen 1500 of FIG. 15. The TowerSection screen 1500 prompts the user to input a height of the tower in a“Height” prompt 1510. The height value may be obtained from a MobileTelecommunications Service Provider (e.g., Cingular Wireless LLC) who isusually the responsible “Company” for planning and managing costs of theproposed cell site. In addition, the user may also elect to use pulldown menu 1520 to specify the Tower; however, this selection does nothave to be made by the user, rather CellSite BudgetMaster 110 may usethe initial cell site plan record, the historical cell site plan record,and/or the vendor record to automatically select a Tower as mentionedabove. After the height is input, the user may press the “Apply” button1530 to navigate to a Foundation Section for a Monopole Stack screen1600 of FIG. 16 to use a pull down menu of “Foundation Type” prompt 1610to choose a foundation and to use a pull down menu of “Water Table at 4′or higher” prompt 1620 to choose whether the water table is at four feetor higher at the proposed cell site location. Thereafter, the user maypress the “Design” button 1630 to navigate to a Foundation Design Formscreen 1700 of FIG. 17. The Foundation Design Form screen 1700 displaysthe inputs or defaulted values for a “Water Table at 4′ or higher”prompt 1710, a “Foundation Type” prompt and/or output 1720, a “TowerHeight” prompt 1730, and a “Total Volume” output 1740. Further, theFoundation Design Form screen 1700 displays a “Foundation Design” view1750 that specifies (1) a wind speed used for the proposed cell sitedesign, (2) a height, (3) a tower selection, (4) whether the sitelocation has a water table below 4′, (5) a foundation type, (6)dimensions of the foundation type (shown as diameter and length whichare relevant measurements for determining volume), and (7) a volume ofconcrete for the foundation. For example, according to an embodiment ofthis invention, the wind speed for the proposed cell site design isautomatically selected by matching the geographic location of theinitial cell site plan record to a design wind speed based on thehighest three second gust in fifty years stored in the historic cellsite plan record. Further, the historic cell site plan record containsparametric values of tower reactions and applicable foundation sizes.For example, FIGS. 18A-B illustrate parametric values for towerreactions at ninety miles per hour (90 mph) and corresponding foundationsizes and types for each tower, with and without water. In addition, theuser may select the “Compound” prompt 1434, the “Fence” prompt 1436, the“Road” prompt 1438, the “Cable” prompt 1440, the “Infrastructure” prompt1442, and the “Antenna” prompt 1444 to navigate to correspondingdetailed views 1900-2400 of FIGS. 19-24.

The Part 2 tab 1425 view of FIG. 25 identifies seven additionalconstruction services that may be performed for the proposed cell sitedesign—a “Conduit” prompt 1450, a “Permitting” prompt 1452, an“Icebridge” prompt 1454, a “Cable Sweeps” prompt 1456, an “Electrical”prompt 1458, a “Megger Test” prompt 1460, and a “Ground Ring” prompt1462. Similar to above, the underline for each of the prompts (shown inFIG. 25 as prompts 1450 and 1462) indicates that the user must click ona selected underlined prompt to specify additional information if theservice of that prompt is needed for the proposed cell site design. Forexample, the user could click on the underlined word “Conduit” tonavigate to a Conduit Section screen 2600 of FIG. 26. As shown in thefigures, underlined prompts associated with services of the modulerequire user input; however, if the user does not provide inputs, thenBudgetMaster 110 uses defaults to determine the proposed cell sitedesign. The scope of all fifteen (15) Constructions services are setforth in Table 6 below. Further, CellSite BudgetMaster 110 uses businesspractices understood by those of ordinary skill in the art toautomatically populate default values for some of the Constructionservice prompts. However, the user may de-select the defaulted value andspecify an alternate value if desired.

TABLE 6 Standardized Scope of Work for Construction Services ServiceStandardized Scope of Work for Service Tower Monopole Stack Assume Slipjoint Monopole. Assume platform unassembled. Provide crane to offloadand erect tower. Provide tower height verification (form to be providedby Company) Self Support Stack Assume platform unassembled Provide craneto offload and erect tower. Installation of Coax support ladder uptower. Provide tower height verification (form to be provided byCompany) Guyed Tower Stack Assume platform unassembled. Assumeinstallation of Tower lighting system Provide crane to offload and erecttower Provide tower height verification (form to be provided by Company)Foundation Cassion Drilling, 4′ diameter, 6′ diameter, 8′ diameter, and10′ diameter Water Table at 4′ or Higher. Contractor is to assume norock. Provide ALL excavation and drilling equipment to complete the jobper engineered foundation drawings. Water Table at below foundation.Contractor is to assume no rock. Provide ALL excavation and drillingequipment to complete the job per engineered foundation drawings. Padand Pier Pour Water Table at below foundation Contractor is to assume norock. Assume 4200 PSI concrete Provide concrete for pour Provide allexcavation of soils. Provide soil removal and disposal if requiredProvide ALL foundation reinforcement bars as required Placement andposition of tower anchor bolts, and guy anchors when required. CompanyWILL NOT provide surveyor to assist contractor. Water Table abovefoundation Contractor is to assume no rock: Assume 4200 PSI concreteProvide concrete for pour Provide all excavation of soils. Provide soilremoval and disposal if required. Provide ALL foundation reinforcementbars as required. Placement and position of tower anchor bolts, and guyanchors when required. Company WILL NOT provide surveyor to assistcontractor. Compound Heavily wooded Removal of all trees, stumps,undergrowth, grass, and weeds from Company leased area. Remove andproperly dispose of rubbish offsite. NO BURNING. Bring lease area tograde per construction drawings. Subgrade compaction to 95% in allFenced and roadway areas Add Mirafi 500x or equivalent geotextile fabricAdd 4″ of #57 stone to fenced area Field Removal of all grass and weedsfrom Company leased area. Remove rubbish and properly dispose ofoffsite. NO BURNING. Bring lease area to grade per constructiondrawings. Subgrade compaction to 95% in all Fenced areas. Add Mirafi500x or equivalent geotextile fabric. Add 4″ of #57 stone to fencedarea. Fence Assume no rock. Provide and Install the following: 9 gauge2″ × 2″ 6′ fabric chain link fence 4″ Standard gauge Gate post 2″standard gauge fence post (10′ center to center installation 3″ standardgauge Corner post 12 gauge galvanized barb wire (3 strands around top offence) 1½″ standard gauge top rail post 45 degree arms for 3 strandsbarb wire Chain and Lock for gate Mushroom gate stop 2 each 6′ gatepanels Road Gravel Prepare subgrade to 95% compaction Add Mirafi 500x orequivalent geotextile fabric 4″ of Flex stone surface Paved Preparesubgrade to 95% compaction 4″ of Flex stone surface compacted to 95%Apply 3″ of pavement Cable Pick up all Company supplied material fromwarehouse located in Company area where work to be performed. Supportfeedline per manufactures recommendations. Install connectors permanufactures recommendations. Supply and install feedline designationmarkings. Ground feedline in 4 places. Contractor will supply andinstall all grounding bars and related hardware. At top of tower at thedown transition (single downlead bonded from 2″ × 13″ ground bars foreach sector) At the bottom of the tower at the transition to theicebridge Outside the shelter entry port plate Inside the shelter at theentry port plate Feedlines will terminate 12″ to 18″ inside shelter atthe port plate. Contractor must coordinate line termination with Companytechnical operations or construction personnel, if required. Provide andinstall feedline port plate at shelter, MTS EP1447 with Boots. Provideand install all feed through boot assemblies. Infra- Cabinet Setstructure Provide lifting to offload and Set Equipment Provide andinstall 6′ wide power and telco rack. Rack will be constructed from 3each 10′ long 3″ Schedule 40 galvanized pipes with end caps, pipes to beinserted into ground minimum 3′, leaving 7′ above grade, Pipes to beinstalled on 4′ centers. Cross members to be 1 V2″ galvanized unistrut,3 each on front side of rack and 5 each on back side. Equipment ShelterSet Assume shelter weight of 50,000 lbs. Assume 12′ × 24′ shelter.Provide lifting to offload and Set Shelter. Provide and install 6′ widepower and telco rack (meter pedestal shall be constructed of Unistrutand pipes). Antenna Assume Tower 10′ from shelter. Pick up all Companysupplied material from warehouse located in Company area where work tobe performed. Install antenna to conform azimuth, height, and tiltaccording to Company specifications. Provide antenna height verificationto include antenna hung (form centerline and antenna tip heightverification once antennas are to be provided by Company). ConduitTrench ground for underground conduit runs. Provide and install PVCschedule 40 conduits from Telco pedestal and separate conduit fromelectric transformer to Common Meter and Demarc Rack. Provide andinstall PVC schedule 40 conduits from Common meter and demarc rack toshelter or Cabinet. Permitting Contractor will pull all applicablepermits submitted by others. All cost associated with permitting will bea pass through to Company. Icebridge Supply and install gripstrutIcebridge and feedline trapeze under icebridge. Cable Assume Tower 12runs of Feedline. Sweeps Provide all test equipment to perform the test.Each feedline run will be tested the following way: Test feedline in anOPEN condition Nothing terminated to the feedline at the antenna Testfeedline through a 50 ohm termination Test feedline though the antenna.Print 3 copies of the sweeps. Leave 1 copy in the cell site equipmentcabinet or Shelter Provide Company Construction Management with 1 copyin closeout package. Keep 1 copy for contractor's files for a minimum of5 years. Electrical Cabinet Set Included in the electrical work: Provideand install 200 amp service meter base Provide and install 200 ampdisconnect switch Provide and install 200 amp manual transfer switchProvide and install telco demarc box (Nema 3R rated 36″ h × 36″ w × 12″d). Provide and install 5/8 plywood backing inside box. Completeconnections of electrical circuits to cabinet. Equipment Shelter SetIncluded in the electrical work: Provide and install 200 amp servicemeter base Provide and install 200 amp disconnect switch Provide andinstall telco demarc box (Nema 3R rated 36″ h × 36″ w × 12″ d). Provideand install 5/8 plywood backing inside box. Complete connection ofelectrical circuits to the Shelter. Megger Test Have licensedelectrician take preconstruction earth megger soil resistivity testreadings using fall of potential methodology in three directions ifpossible, and report results to Company construction. If initial testexceeds 5 Mega ohms, contractor shall encase buried ground ring in GemEarth or equivalent materials to achieve as-built results of < or = 5Megohms. For extremely high base readings, a contingency plan to installXIT rods, chemical system or ground grid plan shall be developed. GroundRing Provide and install grounding system to Company's specifications.See exhibit 1 for typical cell site grounding detail. All ground leadsshall be No. 2 AWG solid tinned copper will be used for externalgrounding system. All ground connections will be exothermically welded,except Guy wires All exothermic welds to galvanized finishes will besprayed with galvanizing paint. Contact Company's ConstructionManagement for inspections before grounding trenches are covered.

After the user has input values and/or used default values as discussedabove for each of the modules to generate the proposed cell site design,the user may click on the underlined word “Select Vendor” (shown asreference numerals 902, 1002, 1102, 1202, 1302, 1402, and 2502 of FIGS.9-14 and 25). Thereafter, CellSite BudgetMaster 110 generates vendorsearch results identifying one or more vendor records by a vendor name,module cost, and benchmark module cost (shown as reference numeral 2730of FIG. 27) that are compiled from the vendor record and the historiccell site plan record and/or initial cell site plan record. For example,FIG. 27 illustrates the Vendor Search Results screen 2700 generated fromthe inputs and/or default values of FIGS. 14 and 25. The Vendor SearchResults screen 2700 displays a list of vendor names 2710 and module cost2720 associated with each vendor name. The vendor names 2710 are listedfrom a lowest financial value to a highest financial value for themodule cost. In addition, a benchmark financial value of the service(s)for that module 2730 is displayed in the upper right hand corner forcomparison with each named vendor's module cost 2720. According toembodiments of this invention, the benchmark financial value 2730 iscalculated by (1) selecting vendor records that match (a) the geographicregion of the cell site identifier and/or (b) have a financial value forthe service(s) needed of the proposed cell site design (e.g., if theproposed cell site design needed a Structural Analysis service, thenonly vendors having a structural analysis billing record (i.e., afinancial value) for the Structural Analysis service are matched. Notethat the benchmark financial value changes if any of the followingchanges geographic area, services of the module/module, and the proposedcell site design. Thereafter, the vendor records are ranked from alowest to a highest financial value for each module and an averagefinancial value is calculated to derive the benchmark financial value.In various embodiments, a percentage of the lowest financial values maybe discarded to eliminate “low-ball” vendors, and then an average of theremaining financial values is calculated to determine the benchmarkfinancial value. Similarly, a percentage of the highest financial valuesmay be discarded to eliminate excessively-priced vendors, and then anaverage of the remaining financial values is calculated to determine thebenchmark financial value. Furthermore, CellSite BudgetMaster 110 allowsthe user to update the vendor record. For example, the user couldcontact a named vendor with a higher billing record to advise him of thebenchmark financial value and negotiate a lower billing record that isequal to or less than the benchmark financial value. Still further, ifthe user is satisfied with the named vendor's total billing record(s)for the service(s) of a selected module for the proposed cell sitedesign, then the user can select the named vendor, such as, for exampleby double clicking on the named vendor 2710 from the list shown in FIG.27. BudgetMaster 110 then displays the selected vendor and associatedbilling record(s) for each service of the module for the proposed cellsite design. FIG. 28 illustrates a selected vendor 2810 shown here as avendor named “James Tylor Communications, Inc.” along with the selectedvendor's billing record(s) of each service of the module for theproposed cell site design. Here the billing records are for constructionservices and include a Conduit billing record 2820 (shown as $2,116), aPermitting billing record 2830 (shown as $368), an Icebridge billingrecord 2840 (shown as $2840), a Cable Sweeps billing record 2850 (shownas $1,214), an Electrical billing record 2860 (shown as $2,576), and aMegger Test billing record 2870 (shown as $276).

The initial cell site plan record and the compiled cell site design andbilling record is stored and maintained by CellSite BudgetMaster 110 sothat the user and/or others can store, access, modify, and/or otherwisemanage the data. As discussed earlier with reference to FIG. 5, CellSiteBudgetMaster 110 also performs ad-hoc queries of one or more vendorrecords and generates reports for the proposed cell site design, theinitial cell site plan record, the historic cell site plan record, thevendor record, and/or the compiled cell site design and billing record.For example, FIG. 29 illustrates a Reports view 2900 that allows theuser to use a pull down Report menu prompt 2910 to generate, display,and/or print a report. In various embodiments, the user could select anyof these reports to display and further analyze data of the report. Theuser could select a Cell Site Listing Report 3000A-C shown in FIGS.30A-C to display all cell sites identified by region, by ConstructionManager, by Total Cost to build the proposed cell site of the listing,by Benchmark financial value of the proposed cell site design, and soon. The user could select a Cell Site Report 3100 shown in FIG. 31 todisplay an overview of all module(s), selected vendor(s), and benchmarkfinancial value(s) of each module of the proposed cell site design.Further, the user could select a Benchmark Analysis Report 3200 shown inFIG. 32 to display all vendors who had billing records less than orequal to the benchmark financial value for a service of the proposedcell site design. Still further, the user could select a Vendor ListReport 3300 shown in FIG. 33 to access and display all vendors whosubmitted billing record(s) for a geographic location. And, finally, theuser could select a Site Details Report 3400 shown in FIG. 34 to accessand display site specific information for each service of the proposedcell site design. The Site Details Report 3400 is typically used forcost records and explanations.

FIGS. 35-36 illustrate tables, fields, and/or other identifiers of thevendor record stored by CellSite BudgetMaster 110. Typically, the cellsite designer or other personnel provide this form to a vendor to fillout and “bid” on future work. The alphanumeric fields specified by thevendor are then used to populate the vendor record of CellSiteBudgetMaster 110 so that the vendor can be matched with work in a commongeographic area and considered for proposed and future cell siteconstruction and/or planning. One of the goals is to have all vendorswho provide a service for the proposed cell site design have a vendorrecord to eliminate having an open bid process and to provide billingrecords for comparison with other area vendors. And, this is one of themain principles of the benchmark financial value 2730. In addition,CellSite BudgetMaster 110 includes a comments field that allows the userto critique performance of each vendor and store that information withthe vendor record so that future users have an appreciation of thevendor's performance.

FIGS. 37, 38, and 39 are flowcharts showing processes of cell siteplanning and billing according to more embodiments of this invention.While the processes in FIGS. 37, 38, and 39 are shown in series, theseprocesses may occur in different orders and/or at simultaneous times asone of ordinary skill in the art will understand.

A user logs onto CellSite BudgetMaster (also referred to as“BudgetMaster”) and inputs his/her user name and password [block 3700].BudgetMaster determines if the user name and password are valid [block3710]. If the user name and password are not authorized and/or areinvalid, then BudgetMaster terminates [block 3720]. If, however, theuser name and password are valid, then BudgetMaster prompts the user toinput and receives parameters for an initial cell site plan recordincluding site number, site name, address, city, state, region, county,buildout type, and tower [block 3730]. Thereafter, BudgetMaster promptsthe user to select whether the proposed new cell site is a colocation ora new build [block 3740]. If the proposed new cell site is a colocation,then BudgetMaster retrieves historic colocation cell site records thatare used to populate default values for one of six modules thatrepresent services for the proposed design [block 3750]. If the proposednew cell site is a new build, then BudgetMaster retrieves historic newbuild cell site records that are used to populate default values for oneof six modules that represent services for the proposed design [block3760]. These six modules include construction, construction management,site acquisition, environmental/geotechnical, structural analysis, andarchitectural & engineering. After BudgetMaster retrieves theappropriate historical cell site record for default values and/or fordefaulted services (e.g., services that are typically performed if theproposed new cell site is a colocation or if the proposed new cell siteis a new build), BudgetMaster prompts the user to select one of the sixmodules (not shown).

In the example set forth in FIG. 38, the method continues with the userhaving selected a service for the construction module [block 3810]. Theuser may select whether BudgetMaster is to determine the foundationlayer of the proposed new cell site or whether he/she will input valuesfor the foundation layer [block 3820]. If the user wants BudgetMaster tocalculate the foundation layer, then the user inputs values to specifyif the foundation needs to account for water or no water [block 3830].Thereafter, BudgetMaster associates historical cell site plan recordsfor region, county, tower, type, and/or wind speed [block 3840] and usesthese and other parametric values to calculate the foundation type[block 3850]. Next, BudgetMaster must identify if the foundation is acaisson design [block 3860]. If the design is caisson, then BudgetMastercalculates the caisson foundation [block 3870] and displays thecalculated values [block 3880] for the user to accept [block 3890]. Thecalculations for the caisson foundation use the formulas disclosed inTable 7 below:

TABLE 7 Caisson Calculations Tower/Foundation/Designer 4, 6, 8, 10diameter Other diameter Self Support (SS)/Caisson L × matrix price × 3(L × diameter × diameter × (CS)/User 3.14 × 3 × matrix price) divided by108 SS/CS/BudgetMaster L × Matrix Price × 3 (Volume × 3 × matrix Price)Monopole (MP)/CS/User L × matrix Price (L × diameter × diameter × 3.14 ×matrix price) divided by 108 MP/CS/BudgetMaster L × matrix Price (Volume× matrix price) Guyed Tower (GT)/CS/User (L × matrix price × 3) + (5 ×(L × diameter × diameter × matrix price) 3.14 × 3 × matrix price)divided by 108 + (Base volume × matrix price) GT/CS/BudgetMaster (TotalVolume × matrix Price) (Total Volume × matrix Price)However, if the design is not caisson, then BudgetMaster displays thecalculated values [block 3880] for the user to accept [block 3890]. Ifthe user accepts, then the method continues with block 3700. If the userdoes not accept, then the method may be repeated. If, however, the userinputs values for the foundation layer [block 3825], then BudgetMasternext identifies if the foundation is a caisson design [block 3860]. Ifthe design is caisson, then BudgetMaster uses the input values tocalculate the caisson foundation [block 3870] using the formula (s)shown in Table 7, and BudgetMaster displays the calculated values [block3880] for the user to accept [block 3890]. However, if the design is notcaisson, then BudgetMaster displays the input values [block 3880] forthe user to confirm [block 3890]. If the user confirms, then the methodcontinues with block 3900. If the user does not confirm, then the methodmay be repeated.

The method continues with BudgetMaster receiving inputs for compoundvalues [block 3910], inputs and/or defaults for fence values [block3915], inputs and/or defaults for road values [block 3920], inputs forcable height and quantity [block 3925], inputs and/or defaults forinfrastructure/shelter [block 3930], inputs for antenna values [block3935], and/or inputs and/or defaults for conduit [block 3940].Thereafter, BudgetMaster assesses one or more databases to match vendorswith a common region of the proposed new cell site [block 3950] and,further, matches vendors having a non-zero billing record for aconstruction service of the proposed cell site design [block 3960].Next, BudgetMaster uses inputs (associated with the initial cell siterecord) and/or defaults (associated with the historical cell siterecord) to calculate total pricing for each matched vendor using thematched vendor's unitized billing record and a unitized pricing formula.For example, a unitized pricing formula for a monopole stack towerhaving a caisson foundation designed by BudgetMaster for a ten footdiameter would determine total foundation pricing by multiplying alength value times a corresponding unit matrix price. After calculatingthe unitized pricing for each matched vendor, BudgetMaster calculates abenchmark financial value for the proposed cell site design [block3980]. Finally, BudgetMaster displays the benchmark financial value andall matched vendors along with each matched vendor's cost for thecorresponding service of the proposed cell site design [block 3990].Other modules use similar methods to calculate values and/or receiveuser inputs, generate a proposed cell site design, calculate totalvendor pricing and a total benchmark financial value (specific to thatproposed cell site design and geographic location), and display theresults.

FIG. 40 is a block diagram of another cell site planning and billingapplication (also referred to herein as “CellSite BudgetMaster” and“BudgetMaster”) embodying this invention. The CellSite BudgetMaster 110operates within a memory device of a digital signal processor 4010 of acomputer system 4000. The memory device could include internal memory4012 of the digital signal processor 4010, or the memory device couldinclude an external memory 4014 communicating with the digital signalprocessor 4010. The digital signal processor 4010 converts analogsignals to digital signals and converts digital signals to analogsignals. The digital signal processor 4010 could include compression anddecompression algorithms, cancellation algorithms, audio-processingcircuitry, filter circuitry, and amplifier circuitry. Although digitalsignal processors can be designed to provide differing capabilities anda variety of performance criteria, the basic functions of the digitalsignal processor are known and, thus, will not be further discussed.

The digital signal processor 4010 interfaces with an input/outputprocessor 4016. The input/output processor 4016 controls systeminput/output and provides telephony and/or computer control features. Abus 4018 provides a signal communication path between the digital signalprocessor 4010 and the input/output processor 4016. The input/outputprocessor 4016 is a microprocessor that includes memory (not shown),communication controllers (not shown), and peripheral controllers (notshown). The communication controllers, for example, could controlpacket-based communications with the connected communications device anda connected network through a wireless communications interface 4020 orthrough a wired communications interface 4028. The communicationcontrollers could also control packet-based communications with acommunications switch (not shown). The peripheral controllers provide aninterface with an LCD/LED/CRT display 4026 and withtelephony/computer-like control features, such as a keypad 4024.Additionally, the peripheral controllers provide an interface with abiometrics sensor 4022, such as, for example, a fingerprint ID device.The biometrics sensor 4022 may provide security features that preventunauthorized users from exploiting the computer 4000. The biometricssensor 4022 could also comprise retina recognition device and software,DNA/RNA recognition device and software, facial recognition device andsoftware, speech recognition device and software, and/or scentrecognition device and software.

The digital signal processor 4010 also interfaces with an externalvoice/video player system 4036 and/or with a voice/video recorder system4038 to audibly and/or visually communicate data. Further, a clocksource 4032 provides a system clock for the computer 4000, and the clocksource 4032 may also include higher and lower frequency multiples of thesystem clock depending upon power requirements and power availability.Still further, a power management system 4030 provides differing powercontrol mechanisms, such as a sleep mode and a low-power mode, toefficiently utilize available power and to reduce thermal managementconcerns.

While this invention has been described with respect to variousfeatures, aspects, and embodiments, those skilled and unskilled in theart will recognize the invention is not so limited. Other variations,modifications, and alternative embodiments may be made without departingfrom the spirit and scope of this invention.

1. A method for generating a cell site design for a proposed cell site,comprising: recognizing data received by a cell site design system asdata comprising initial cell site data relating to the proposed cellsite, wherein the initial cell site data indicates a configuration ofthe proposed cell site and a module for the proposed cell site;generating, using a processor in communication with the cell site designsystem, a proposed cell site design based upon the initial cell sitedata; analyzing, using the processor, the proposed cell site design todetermine services to be performed by vendors during construction of theproposed cell site; accessing a first storage device in communicationwith the cell site design system to retrieve vendor data stored by thefirst storage device, the vendor data comprising a unitized charge for avendor to perform the services; and using the processor to generate abilling record by associating the unitized charge for the vendor toperform the services with the services included in the proposed cellsite design.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: accessing asecond storage device associated with the cell site design system toretrieve historical data, the historical data comprising cell site datarelating to an existing cell site.
 3. The method of claim 2, whereinaccessing the second storage device to retrieve historical datacomprises retrieving a water parameter associated with the existing cellsite.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the generating further comprisesgenerating, using the processor, the proposed cell site design based, atleast partially, upon the water parameter.
 5. The method of claim 1,wherein accessing the first storage device to retrieve vendor datacomprises accessing the first storage device to retrieve vendor dataassociated with a plurality of vendors.
 6. The method of claim 2,wherein accessing the second storage device to retrieve historical datacomprises accessing the second storage device to retrieve historicaldata associated with a plurality of existing cell sites.
 7. The methodof claim 5, wherein accessing the first storage device to retrievevendor data further comprises: restricting the plurality of vendors forwhich vendor data is retrieved based upon at least one restrictionparameter.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein restricting vendors basedupon at least one restriction parameter comprises restricting vendorsbased upon geographic proximity to a location of the proposed cell site,wherein vendor data is not retrieved for a vendor not within adesignated geographic proximity.
 9. The method of claim 7, wherein: morethan one service is needed to construct the proposed cell site; andrestricting vendors based upon at least one restriction parametercomprises restricting vendors based upon whether the vendor can providethe more than one service.
 10. The method of claim 7, whereinrestricting vendors based upon at least one restriction parametercomprises restricting vendors based upon whether the vendor has theability to charge in unitized increments, wherein vendor data is notretrieved for a vendor that does not have the ability to charge inunitized increments.
 11. The method of claim 7, further comprisingmaking a benchmark calculation, wherein making a benchmark calculationcomprises: ranking, using the processor, the retrieved vendor data basedupon a cost associated with the vendor data; and calculating, using theprocessor, an average cost associated with the retrieved vendor data,wherein the average cost comprises a benchmark value.
 12. The method ofclaim 11, further comprising: updating the vendor data stored by thefirst storage device to generate updated vendor data; and storing theupdated vendor data at the first storage device, wherein the updatingcomprises indicating if the cost associated with the vendor data exceedsthe benchmark value.
 13. A cell site design system for generating aproposed cell site design, the cell site design system comprising amemory for storing computer-readable instructions, executable by aprocessor to make the cell site design system operable to: recognizedata received by the cell site design system as data comprising initialcell site data relating to the proposed cell site, wherein the initialcell site data indicates a configuration of the proposed cell site and amodule for the proposed cell site; generate, using the processor, aproposed cell site design based upon the initial cell site data;analyze, using the processor, the proposed cell site design to determineservices to be performed by vendors during construction of the proposedcell site; access a first storage device to retrieve vendor data storedby the first storage device, the vendor data comprising a unitizedcharge for a vendor to perform the services; and use the processor togenerate a billing record by associating the unitized charge for thevendor to perform the services with the services included in theproposed cell site design.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein thecomputer-readable instructions further comprise computer-readableinstructions, executable by the processor to make the cell site designsystem operable to: access a second storage device to retrievehistorical data, the historical data comprising cell site data relatingto an existing cell site.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein thecomputer-readable instructions for accessing comprise computer-readableinstructions, executable by the processor to make the cell site designsystem operable to: retrieve a water parameter associated with theexisting cell site.
 16. The system of claim 14, wherein thecomputer-readable instructions for accessing comprise computer-readableinstructions, executable by the processor to make the cell site designsystem operable to retrieve a water parameter and a parametricparameter, wherein: the water parameter comprises data indicating thepresence and the depth of water, if present at the location; and theparametric parameter comprises data indicating the average wind speed atthe location.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the computer-readableinstructions for generating the proposed cell site design comprisecomputer-readable instructions, executable by the processor to make thecell site design system operable to: generate, using the processor, theproposed cell site design based upon the initial cell site data and thehistorical data.
 18. The system of claim 13, wherein thecomputer-readable instructions for accessing the first storage device toretrieve vendor data comprise computer-readable instructions, executableby the processor to make the cell site design system operable to: accessthe first storage device to retrieve vendor data associated with aplurality of vendors.
 19. The system of claim 18, wherein thecomputer-readable instructions for accessing the second storage deviceto retrieve historical data comprise computer-readable instructions,executable by the processor to make the cell site design system operableto: access the second storage device to retrieve historical dataassociated with a plurality of existing cell sites.
 20. The system ofclaim 18, wherein the computer-readable instructions for accessing thefirst storage device to retrieve vendor data further comprisecomputer-readable instructions, executable by the processor to make thecell site design system operable to: restrict the plurality of vendorsfor which vendor data is retrieved based upon at least one restrictionparameter.
 21. The system of claim 18, wherein the computer-readableinstructions for restricting vendors based upon at least one restrictionparameter comprise computer-readable instructions, executable by theprocessor to make the cell site design system operable to: restrictvendors based upon geographic proximity to a location of the proposedcell site, wherein vendor data is not retrieved for a vendor not withina designated geographic proximity.
 22. The system of claim 20, wherein:more than one service is needed to construct the proposed cell site; andthe computer-readable instructions for restricting comprisecomputer-readable instructions, executable by the processor to make thecell site design system operable to restrict vendors based upon whetherthe vendor can provide the more than one service.
 23. The system ofclaim 20, wherein the computer-readable instructions for restrictingvendors based upon at least one restriction parameter comprisecomputer-readable instructions, executable by the processor to make thecell site design system operable to: restrict vendors based upon whetherthe vendor has the ability to charge in unitized increments, whereinvendor data is not retrieved for a vendor that does not have the abilityto charge in unitized increments.
 24. A computer-readable mediumcomprising computer-readable instructions, executable by a processor toperform the steps of: recognizing data received by a cell site designsystem as data comprising initial cell site data relating to theproposed cell site, wherein the initial cell site data indicates aconfiguration of the proposed cell site and a module for the proposedcell site; generating, using the processor, a proposed cell site designbased upon the initial cell site data; analyzing, using the processor,the proposed cell site design to determine services to be performed byvendors during construction of the proposed cell site; accessing a firststorage device in communication with the cell site design system toretrieve vendor data stored by the first storage device, the vendor datacomprising a unitized charge for a vendor to perform the services; andusing the processor to generate a billing record by associating theunitized charge for the vendor to perform the services with the servicesincluded in the proposed cell site design.
 25. The computer-readablemedium of claim 24, wherein the computer-readable instructions furthercomprise computer-readable instructions, executable by the processor toperform the step of: accessing a second storage device in communicationwith the cell site design system to retrieve historical data, thehistorical data comprising cell site data relating to an existing cellsite.
 26. The computer-readable medium of claim 25, wherein thecomputer-readable instructions for accessing comprise computer-readableinstructions, executable by the processor to perform the step of:retrieving a water parameter associated with the existing cell site. 27.The computer-readable medium of claim 25, wherein the computer-readableinstructions for accessing comprise computer-readable instructions,executable by the processor to perform the step of retrieving a waterparameter and a parametric parameter, wherein: the water parametercomprises data indicating the presence and the depth of water, ifpresent at the location; and the parametric parameter comprises dataindicating the average wind speed at the location.
 28. Thecomputer-readable medium of claim 27, wherein the computer-readableinstructions for generating the proposed cell site design comprisecomputer-readable instructions, executable by the processor to performthe step of: generating, using the processor, the proposed cell sitedesign based upon the initial cell site data and the historical data.29. The computer-readable medium of claim 24, wherein thecomputer-readable instructions for accessing the first storage device toretrieve vendor data comprise computer-readable instructions, executableby the processor to perform the step of: accessing the first storagedevice to retrieve vendor data associated with a plurality of vendors.30. The computer-readable medium of claim 29, wherein thecomputer-readable instructions for accessing the second storage deviceto retrieve historical data comprise computer-readable instructions,executable by the processor to perform the step of: accessing the secondstorage device to retrieve historical data associated with a pluralityof existing cell sites.
 31. The computer-readable medium of claim 29,wherein the computer-readable instructions for accessing the firststorage device to retrieve vendor data further comprisecomputer-readable instructions, executable by the processor to performthe step of: restricting the plurality of vendors for which vendor datais retrieved based upon at least one restriction parameter.
 32. Thecomputer-readable medium of claim 29, wherein the computer-readableinstructions for restricting vendors based upon at least one restrictionparameter comprise computer-readable instructions, executable by theprocessor to perform the step of: restricting vendors based upongeographic proximity to a location of the proposed cell site, whereinvendor data is not retrieved for a vendor not within a designatedgeographic proximity.
 33. The computer-readable medium of claim 31,wherein: more than one service is needed to construct the proposed cellsite; and the computer-readable instructions for restricting comprisecomputer-readable instructions, executable by the processor to performthe step of restricting vendors based upon whether the vendor canprovide the more than one service.
 34. The computer-readable medium ofclaim 31, wherein the computer-readable instructions for restrictingvendors based upon at least one restriction parameter comprisecomputer-readable instructions, executable by the processor to performthe step of: restricting vendors based upon whether the vendor has theability to charge in unitized increments, wherein vendor data is notretrieved for a vendor that does not have the ability to charge inunitized increments.
 35. The computer-readable medium of claim 24,wherein the computer-readable instructions further comprisecomputer-readable instructions, executable by the processor to performthe steps of: recognizing data received by the cell site design systemas data comprising updated vendor data received from an updating vendor;retrieving, from the first storage device, the vendor data associatedwith the updating vendor; updating the vendor data to generate updatedvendor data; and storing the updating vendor data in the first storagedevice.